Oh yes, the CNE, a fun and magical place that comes to town once a year for a few weeks, reminding us that we better enjoy the last few weeks of summer while we have the chance! This year, the CNE is in town from Aug 17- Sept 3, and guess what, there is so much to see and do. With so many activities available, it can get hard to decide what to do and where to start! Lucky for you we have put together the top 7 musts of the fair this year. Check them out for yourself!
Eat
This is perhaps the main reason to visit the CNE! Every year CNE food vendors bring us the most delectable tasty treats. The CNE is known for having a variety of foods, explore your wacky and wild side with cricket popcorn or stick to something a little more casual like a tasty poutine. The Food Truck Frenzy is known for featuring a wide variety of local food trucks and vendors and this year is no exception. Newcomers include, Dang Good BBQ and 6 Spice Rack and will be happening at the same time as the Craft Beer Fest! Whatever you’re into be sure to let your taste buds roam free and try everything in sight!
Play
Forget what it was like to be a kid, cut loose and have fun playing all the games at the CNE! Let your inner child run free – it is a fair after all! This year, back by popular demand the CNE will be home to the CNE Gaming Garage powered by AMD! We can’t wait to try our hand at the Pinball Tournament. If tournaments aren’t your thing step right up to a game booth and test your luck! Last year we won a Trollz doll and plush donut which totally made our day!
Shows
The CNE experience isn’t complete without attending a few of the highly anticipated yearly shows. This year the Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show, Quatro, themed around four elements, water, fire, wind and earth looks like an explosive experience for the eyes with special guests from Dancing on Ice and Cirque du Soleil. If skating seems a little too chilly for you head on over to the 47th annual Cat Show in Café Soleil where there will be more than 125 cats from all across Ontario ready to purr their way into your hearts while they are showcased in display and competition. But the CNE experience just isn’t the same without the annual Air Show, my favourite is the spectacular CF Snowbirds!
Exhibits
The CNE has been home to many beautiful and unique exhibits. This year they are proud to bring us the brand new exhibit, Legends of the Silk Road Come to Light. In celebration of the year of Canada-China tourism, the CNE enlisted 90 artists to create seventeen illuminated synthetic silk lanterns. This stunning series of 17 illuminated sculpture installations will create a kaleidoscope of colour, themed around legends and myths associated with the ancient Silk Road. The lanterns took 60 days to construct AND 60 days to travel from China to the CNE! I’d say those two months of travel are definitely worth the wait! This BRAND NEW exhibit is a definite MUST SEE and best of all, the exhibit is FREE with admission. The exhibit is around for the entire duration of the CNE. Hurry, your Instagram pictures are waiting!
Ride
Ride to your heart’s content with the Ride All Day pass which includes grounds admission, access to all shows and exhibits and unlimited midway rides on any one day of the 2018 CNE. Buckle up and jump on the classic Polar Express or the Zipper. I’ll be enjoying my personal favourite – the Ferris Wheel which will be celebrating the 125th Anniversary of its debut this year!
Shop
Something that surprises many, even seasoned CNE veterans is that the CNE is home to some AMAZING shopping deals. Last year, we got a super sweet hair brush straightener, a massager, and a leather hat for super low prices. Be sure to check out home goods for jaw-dropping prices that you won’t want to leave without! The CNE is home to so many massive price slashes and wild deals to check out, trust us, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t!
Photos
Of course, you can’t go anywhere without taking photos for social media! The CNE is an Instagrammer’s dream, with bright colours and unique backdrops you aren’t going to find anywhere else! Give all your friends CNE envy as you snap your way through one of Ontario’s greatest annual traditions, don’t forget to use #LetsGoToTheEx on all your photos!
Tag us on social media, @sheblogscanada if you head to the CNE!
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